Myanmar Legislature

The legislature of Myanmar, also known as the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. It is a bicameral body, consisting of two houses: the House of Nationalities (Amyotha Hluttaw) and the House of Representatives (Pyithu Hluttaw). This article provides an in-depth examination of the structure, functions, and historical evolution of the Myanmar Legislature.

Historical Background

The legislative history of Myanmar dates back to the pre-colonial era, where various forms of governance existed under different dynasties. However, the modern legislative framework began to take shape during the British colonial period. The Government of Burma Act 1935 established a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This structure continued until independence in 1948, when the Union of Burma adopted a parliamentary system.

The 1962 military coup led by General Ne Win resulted in the dissolution of the parliamentary system, and the country was governed by a military junta. The 1974 Constitution introduced a unicameral People's Assembly, which was later dissolved following the 1988 pro-democracy uprisings. The current bicameral system was reintroduced with the 2008 Constitution, which came into effect in 2011.

Structure and Composition

The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw is composed of two houses:

House of Nationalities (Amyotha Hluttaw)

The Amyotha Hluttaw consists of 224 members. Of these, 168 are elected directly by the people, while 56 are appointed by the military. Each of Myanmar's 14 states and regions elects 12 representatives, ensuring equal representation across the country. The House of Nationalities is designed to represent the interests of the various ethnic groups within Myanmar.

House of Representatives (Pyithu Hluttaw)

The Pyithu Hluttaw comprises 440 members. Of these, 330 are elected from single-member constituencies, and 110 are appointed by the military. The House of Representatives is intended to represent the general population of Myanmar.

Legislative Process

The legislative process in Myanmar involves several stages:

1. **Introduction of Bills**: Bills can be introduced by members of either house or by the executive branch. Military-appointed members also have the right to introduce bills. 2. **Committee Review**: Bills are referred to relevant committees for detailed examination and recommendations. 3. **Debate and Voting**: Bills are debated in both houses. A bill must be approved by a majority in both the Amyotha Hluttaw and the Pyithu Hluttaw. 4. **Presidential Assent**: Once approved by both houses, the bill is sent to the President for assent. If the President vetoes the bill, it can still become law if re-approved by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

Functions and Powers

The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has several key functions and powers:

**Legislation**: The primary function is to enact laws. This includes laws on national security, economic policy, and social issues.
**Budget Approval**: The legislature reviews and approves the national budget proposed by the executive branch.
**Oversight**: The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw exercises oversight over the executive branch, including questioning ministers and investigating government activities.
**Constitutional Amendments**: The legislature has the power to amend the Constitution, although this requires a supermajority.

Committees

The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw operates through various committees, which play a crucial role in the legislative process. Key committees include:

**Public Accounts Committee**: Oversees government expenditures and ensures financial accountability.
**Judicial and Legal Affairs Committee**: Reviews legislation related to the judiciary and legal system.
**Ethnic Affairs Committee**: Addresses issues related to ethnic minorities and promotes national unity.

Challenges and Criticisms

The Myanmar Legislature faces several challenges:

**Military Influence**: The military's significant representation in both houses and its control over key ministries undermine the legislature's independence.
**Ethnic Representation**: Despite efforts to ensure ethnic representation, many ethnic groups feel underrepresented and marginalized.
**Political Instability**: Frequent political upheavals and military interventions have disrupted the legislative process and hindered democratic development.

Recent Developments

The 2021 military coup significantly impacted the Myanmar Legislature. The military dissolved the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and arrested many elected representatives, leading to widespread protests and international condemnation. The future of the legislature remains uncertain as the country grapples with ongoing political turmoil.